The first and only winter tests of Formula 1 2023 starting in a week and the same balance of power as last year. A 2022 that ended well in advance with the overwhelming power of Red Bull which always showed up in Bahrain in great shape, closing the tests in front of everyone even on day-3 with Sergio Perez after dominating day-1 with the world champion Max Verstappen. At Ferrari there is moderate satisfaction with the speed of the new SF-23 but at the same time the awareness that more work will have to be done to be able to fight on equal terms with the Austrian team. World champion team capable of putting everyone behind both in the flying lap and in the race pace on the Sakhir circuit where the first Grand Prix of the season will take place on Sunday 5 March.
On the third and final day of testing in Bahrain, Perez’s Red Bull was ahead of everyone, followed by Hamilton’s Mercedes and Bottas’ Alfa Romeo. Fourth and fifth place for the two Ferraris of Leclerc and Sainz. A day of ups and downs for the red from Maranello: good on the flying lap, difficulties on the race pace with the medium compound. The positive note is the pace with the medium tyre, which confirmed yesterday’s positive sensations.
All in all, a positive balance for the Ducati as explained by the new team principal Frederic Vasseur on the three-day test in Bahrain: “We did a lot of kilometers and in terms of reliability it was important. And we did a good job in terms of set-up too. But we always want more.” An important moment from the third day of testing was Leclerc’s long chat with the Prancing Horse’s chief aerodynamicist Sanchez. “I think that this year our car has changed in some of its characteristics – explained the Monegasque driver – in general I expect to be a little faster on the straight and perhaps to struggle a little more in the corners.
With these three days of testing I can say that we are still working hard to find the car’s strong point in terms of set-up. I hope there is still some leeway. It’s a different car – concluded Leclerc – and you necessarily have to drive it a little differently. But that’s what tests are for. I have tried many different riding styles. This morning I felt like I finally found my way. But we still have work to do.”
At Red Bull there is already an air of celebration for having got the single-seater right again as proven by these first three days of testing “I felt very good – admitted Verstappen – I’m satisfied with the tests. Red Bull favourites? We want to be fast and win”.
Source: Ansa
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